Architect Donald Reeves has left his mark on San Diego buildings, but he was perhaps most proud of his role in bringing the “Kiss” statue to San Diego’s waterfront.

Reeves, an ADA compliance specialist who reviewed Petco Park plans for the city, died here Friday at the VA Hospital.

A Vietnam vet, Reeves lobbied for the loan to San Diego of the larger-than-life statue based on a snapshot of a sailor kissing a nurse in Times Square on V-J Day. When it was time to return the artwork, Reeves and his wife, Julia, campaigned for a permanent replacement.

In conjunction with the USS Midway Museum, they helped solicit donations for a bronze replica costing nearly $1 million. Reeves spent hours photographing the placement site to determine where the “Kiss” could best be viewed by all.

“He was out there saying ‘yes,’ when everyone else was saying, ‘no,’” said museum head Mac McLaughlin. “The statue would not be here without Don.”

Julia, who is planning an upcoming memorial, surmised, “He’s probably telling St. Peter right now that the pearly gates don’t meet ADA requirements.”